I was going to buy one for $3200, but it had a head gasket problem, so I decided not to get it. I found this other one recently. Is there anything I should worry about with it?
1991 should be the first year for the 4.0, but the auto transmission is just a 3-speed, so don’t expect good mileage. Check it closely underneath! Poke around spots like where the skid plate meets the frame, especially around the front and rear mounts for the leaf springs. Also, check the floors – rust loves to settle there.
For oil, look for any sparkles or a smell of fuel. Transmission fluid should look red and not smell burnt. If it’s brown or black, it’s a bad sign. Open the oil cap and see if it’s a nice medium brown inside. Any sludge or creamy stuff?
Body rust isn’t a deal-breaker since panels can be replaced or fixed, but the frame, wiring, and drivetrain are what you really need to worry about.
@Zane
Got it! This would be a second car since my Tesla struggles in the snow. Seems like if the engine and frame are okay, it might be a decent buy.
Rowan said:
@Zane
Got it! This would be a second car since my Tesla struggles in the snow. Seems like if the engine and frame are okay, it might be a decent buy.
It really could be a solid choice. They’re simple to work on, especially after 1991 with fuel injection. The older ‘87-‘90 models had finicky carbs, and the manual transmission isn’t the best either.
Check if it’s really a 4.0… wasn’t ‘92 the first year for the 4.0? If it’s got a carb, it might be the 258 inline-six with that emissions carb. I’m personally not a fan of that setup.
Blair said:
Check if it’s really a 4.0… wasn’t ‘92 the first year for the 4.0? If it’s got a carb, it might be the 258 inline-six with that emissions carb. I’m personally not a fan of that setup.
I’ve read that ‘91 was when the 4.0 started. How can I confirm? It does seem to have a carb on it.
@Rowan
If it’s got a carb, it’s probably the 258 engine, not the 4.0, which should be fuel-injected.
Blair said:
@Rowan
If it’s got a carb, it’s probably the 258 engine, not the 4.0, which should be fuel-injected.
https://imgur.com/a/GLzoi7x
So it’s a 4.2? On a ‘91?
Blair said:
@Rowan
If it’s got a carb, it’s probably the 258 engine, not the 4.0, which should be fuel-injected.
https://imgur.com/a/GLzoi7x
So it’s a 4.2? On a ‘91?
Could be the 4.2… are you sure it’s a ‘91?
@Laken
Yeah, the seller mentioned it’s got a Mastercraft carb, so maybe this was a modified 4.0?
Rowan said:
@Laken
Yeah, the seller mentioned it’s got a Mastercraft carb, so maybe this was a modified 4.0?
Looks like someone added a carb to the 4.0… definitely not factory.
Blair said:
@Rowan
If it’s got a carb, it’s probably the 258 engine, not the 4.0, which should be fuel-injected.
https://imgur.com/a/GLzoi7x
So it’s a 4.2? On a ‘91?
What’s going on with all that wiring in there?
So is this actually a 4.0 that someone converted to a carb setup? Sounds like a potential headache!
Rowan said:
So is this actually a 4.0 that someone converted to a carb setup? Sounds like a potential headache!
Yeah, and the wiring in there doesn’t look too trustworthy either.
If you do buy it, run a camera down the entire frame to check for rust.
Honestly, for a little more cash, you could probably find a much better Jeep.
Rain said:
It’d be good for a weekend vehicle… but not as a daily driver. The control arms and bushings are likely worn out.
Control arms? 